failed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of failed
First recorded in 1650–60; fail ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It lost ground to other carriers after a failed bid to overhaul its business-travel strategy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
In their preliminary investigation, authorities found the 13-year-old failed to stop in time at the crossing and was struck by the passing train.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026
According to the report, there was further complaint Whitford failed to declare he was the director of a company, Appchatz Ltd, in his council register of interests.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The biliary cancer treatment delayed disease progression but failed to meet overall survival targets because of confounded data.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
Even her trusty Giddy-Yap, Rainbow! books failed to distract her.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
